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» HAS Newsroom
Houston Airport System
June 15, 2007
He has an affable manner and his 6 foot 3 inch stature automatically makes him a man you notice, but his wealth of aviation experience and extensive military background make him a man of substance.
Sixty year old Brian Rinehart is the new manager at Ellington Field, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the joint-use civi/military airport complex.
“I have already received direct and indirect comments from tenants who are excited and pleased to have an aviator who has military experience assigned to this airport,” says Rinehart. “It a good mix out here and I am going to increase cooperation and teamwork.”
Rinehart graduated from Farmington High School in Farmington, New Mexico in 1965 and was drafted into the United States Army. He completed officers training and earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the Field Artillery before heading off to serve two tours flying combat helicopters in Vietnam.
His bravery earned him the Silver Star with Oak leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, 4 Air Medals for Valor and 38 Air Medals for aerial operations in combat zones.
After leaving Vietnam he accepted an assignment with the Pershing Missile Battalion in Germany where he served in various positions. From there he went on to become an Inspector General, which meant he was responsible for evaluating Research and Development Commands, Army Depots and Army Research laboratories.
This led to an assignment at the Pentagon as a Defense Systems Coordinator, which entailed program and project management of technology-based projects such as lasers, high-powered microwave, particle beam, electro magnetic pulses, seekers, sensors, missiles and rocket components, radar and nuclear research and development.
He completed his military career with an aviation assignment, managing a military airfield.
He is an aviation aficionado, who began working with the Houston Airport System in 1995. He has held positions in various divisions of the airport system including parking, building services, physical plant maintenance and finally IAH management where he served as an assistant director of maintenance.
Rinehart has big plans for Ellington.
“The infrastructure is in place now to start soliciting tenants for the airport. General Aviation opportunities are a big draw and charter services,” he says. “I am ready to put on a full court press to get tenants to the airport. The taxiway access to the airfield is a major factor that is very important to our growth and development.”
Ellington Field is enjoying renewed attention and renovation. In addition to a newly-built taxiway, several new aviation services facilities have opened their doors and there are more plans for upgrades and new construction.
Rinehart graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, receiving a BA of Aviation management and a BS of Aviation Science with Magna Cum Laude recognition.
He seems like an “ah shucks” type of guy but behind that easy smile is the history of a warrior who is now leading the charge at Ellington Field.
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